The holiday season is a time for gathering, where shared meals and quality moments with loved ones create lasting memories. It's also the ideal occasion to introduce creativity into your table setting, crafting an environment that feels warm and welcoming.
ferm Living visited Imogen Snell and Riccardo Castano, the creative minds behind ISSTUDIO, at the picturesque Lypiatt Park in Gloucestershire, UK, for some tablescape inspiration. Once the residence of renowned sculptor Lynn Chadwick, this historic estate now serves as the backdrop for the sought-after lunches and workshops hosted by the duo. In the dining room, framed by towering stained-glass windows and surrounded by an eclectic mix of artworks and books, they crafted an inviting table setting for a holiday luncheon.
How do the holidays inspire your table-setting choices?
'The holiday season is all about indulgence and relaxation, and we love setting a table that feels comforting and serene, filled with some of our favourite dishes. We often choose classic, timeless colours like white and silver to create a traditional yet calming atmosphere.'
Do you have any table-setting traditions that you carry on from your upbringing or culture?
'For Imogen, growing up in a large family meant the festive table was always expansive and bountiful, adorned with a different colour theme each year and thoughtfully set the night before guests arrived for a perfectly prepared celebration.
Riccardo's Italian heritage brought a different tradition to the table, where settings began simply and evolved with each course. The meal would start with charcuterie, olives, nuts, and other light appetizer, building up with a three-course spread and concluding with a classic panettone or pandoro, paired with a small, aromatic espresso to close the evening.'
How do you want your guests to feel when they sit down at your table?
'We aim to create a relaxed, effortless atmosphere at the table, evoking a sense of laid-back comfort. The setting should feel familiar and welcoming, allowing conversation and connection to flow naturally and enhancing the experience for everyone gathered.'
Is there a signature touch that guests can expect to see at any table you set?
'Guests can expect a display of vibrant, home-grown blooms from Lypiatt's garden, featuring marigolds and bold, pom-pom dahlias in striking shades of orange and pink. We often incorporate graphic and sculptural shapes within the table decor, which complements the unique setting at Lypiatt beautifully.'
What's the most memorable festive gathering you've hosted or attended? How did the table play a part in the experience?
'We recently hosted a 50-person ISSTUDIO lunch, bringing together creatives from diverse industries, including music, fashion, and art. Guests enjoyed fresh, seasonal produce from Lypiatt's on-site garden, served family style for a relaxed, communal experience. Following lunch, we strolled through the sculpture park and later indulged in a bespoke 360° listening experience in one of the tranquil east-wing bedrooms.
A memorable touch was setting each table with Lynn Chadwick sculptures in place of traditional flowers. This unexpected choice sparked immediate conversation and added a bold, artistic edge to the table setting, making it a truly distinctive event.'
How do you incorporate ferm LIVING's products to create the right ambience for a festive lunch?
'Our ferm LIVING pieces bring a perfect blend of familiarity and charm, creating a casually elegant yet sculptural tablescape for our artist lunches and gatherings. Each piece contributes to an inviting atmosphere while adding a refined aesthetic that complements the creative tone of our events.'
More information:
ferm LIVING
www.fermliving.com